Nigerian Fuji Singers, Pasuma, Osupa, Ayuba Make Case For EFCC Over Ban On Naira Spraying

Wasiu Alabi, commonly known as Pasuma, a Nigerian artist, and his colleagues Saheed Osupa and Adewale Ayuba have praised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission's recent decision to enforce the prohibition on Naira abuse.
According to Naija News, controversial crossdresser Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, was sentenced to six months in prison without the option of paying a fee for Naira abuse on Friday.

Similarly, on Wednesday, celebrity bartender Pascal Okechukwu, also known as Cubana Chief Priest, was given N10 million bail after pleading 'not guilty' to a charge of Naira abuse.

In an interview with Punch, Pasuma insisted that the country's currency be honored. He added that he has always opposed Naira abuse, even before the EFCC implemented the latest crackdown.

He stated, "I want to believe that there is a distinction between spraying a performer with money and mutilating naira notes. Spraying money on a musician is an essential component of our African culture during celebrations. Meanwhile, currency abuse or mutilation occurs when money is thrown around and stepped on, shortening its lifespan.

"From the start, I was never a supporter of naira abuse. I dislike it when people toss money around on my stage. It is a gesture of disrespect for both the artist and the currency.

If you watch my stage presentations, you'll notice that I have a box where people can place money to show their appreciation for my work. And that was even before the naira abuse campaign began. I believe that is the appropriate and courteous way to treat the artist and the Naira.

"So, the war against naira spraying has not affected my performances and earnings as a law-abiding citizen that I am."

On his side, Osupa noted that the new development had no effect on his business, emphasizing that his crew made more money when fans were required to place money in a box rather than spray it.

He stated, "People no longer spray money at my shows." They simply deposit money in a box supplied on stage. So, I can't say it's had a negative impact on me. We continue to make money in the same way we did before. "The only difference is that people do not spray the money again."

"Most people simply spray money to show off. Many of them don't actually want to spray that money; they just want to irritate some folks. Also, there are situations when folks who spray money do not actually spend much; they simply make it appear as if they are spraying heavily. However, when people put money in the box, we really make more money. Some people also do bank transfers.
Echoing his colleagues' sentiments, Ayuba stated that the prohibition on Naira spraying would not harm him because he had always used the same method of asking spectators to deposit money in the box throughout his performance.

He stated, "The issue with spraying money is how some people manage the currency by hurling it, throwing it into a throng, treading on it, and treating it like trash. That is ludicrous, and I do not support it. The government's new enforcement push will have no effect on me since, everytime I perform, I have a box where people can put money to spray me.

"What the government is saying is that people should not abuse our currency; they are not suggesting that people should not support artists. The government is simply encouraging citizens to respect our currency since it is an integral element of our national identity."